Decentralized Applications

Definition ∞ ‘Decentralized Applications’ or dApps are applications that run on a peer-to-peer network, such as a blockchain, rather than a single server. Their operation is governed by smart contracts, and they typically offer greater transparency and censorship resistance compared to traditional applications. These applications aim to distribute control away from central authorities.
Context ∞ The development and adoption of ‘Decentralized Applications’ are central to the growth of the decentralized finance (DeFi) and Web3 ecosystems. Current discussions focus on user experience improvements, scalability challenges, and the regulatory landscape surrounding dApps. Future developments to monitor include the emergence of novel dApp use cases and their integration into mainstream digital services.